Book description
A revelatory journey from the tin mines of Cornwall to the gold mountains of Georgia in search of the substances which have both shaped our imagination and imperilled our very existence.The discovery of minerals beneath our feet has transformed our species. Ochre first prompted humans to express themselves in art; tin and copper helped instigate the Bronze Age and later the Industrial Revolution; silver kick-started the engines of global trade. Each of these substances generated a leap forward in technology, each one opened the imagination a little further - and each one brought with it a cache of unexpected dangers.Under A Metal Sky begins and ends in Philip Marsden's homeland of Cornwall, one of the world's great geological hotspots. Travelling eastwards into Europe, he examines how the extraction of peat propelled the Netherlands to world prominence but also imperilled its very existence. Continuing on up the Rhine by barge, into the heart of the continent, he uncovers more stories of potent and tempting resources, from iron-rich meteorites to radium and mercury, and the gold-bearing mountains of Georgia. At the same time he explores precious seams of ideas, from science to alchemy, mysticism to ecology - and those questing souls who pursued them, like Paracelsus, the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II, Goethe, William Blake and Marie Curie.Rich with revelations, Under A Metal Sky traces the dazzling achievements and dark consequences of our ability to extract what we want from the earth, and presents a fascinating new perspective on European history and on our troubled relationship with the natural world.
Whip Chu
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time.
Plum Moon
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Frenzy
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
California Goddess
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Hairpin
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful.
Spider Fuji
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Tse Tse Guy
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Opulent Gamer
Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
FireBrang
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done!
Pyscho Hun
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖
FRMhndshk
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Gentle Avenger
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧
Red Pepper
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more.
Opulent Gamer
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Sleek Assassin
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Cali Yacht
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
21st Street
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
InsightInkwell
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Psycho Thinker
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience